Image reading apparatus including multi-crop function

ABSTRACT

An image reading apparatus including: an original reading circuit configured to scan at least one original placed on an original table and read an image of the original; an original size detector configured to detect a size of an original to be scanned before the scan; and a control circuit configured to determine as a reading-area an area from which an image is to be read by the original reading circuit by referring to the original size detected by the original size detector, wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate a multi-crop process in which the original reading circuit scans a plurality of originals placed on the original table in batch as a batch-scan and crops an image of each of the originals, and to determine the reading-area based on a width of a maximum original in a main scanning direction and a length of a maximum original in a sub-scanning direction regardless of the detection of the original size detector when initiating the multi-crop process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 15/356,734, filed on Nov. 21, 2016, which claims priority toJapanese Patent Application No. 2015-234878 filed on Dec. 1, 2015, allof which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus having amulti-crop function.

2. Description of the Related Art

There has been known a multi-crop function in which, in the case wheresmall size originals, such as business cards, postcards, or photos, areto be read, multiple originals are placed on an original table andscanned and read in batch to crop an image corresponding to eachoriginal. There has also been known an image reading apparatus havingsuch multi-crop function.

For example, there has been proposed an apparatus which detects thenumber of originals and their respective positions by pre-scan, scansthe originals one by one, and displays how many originals have beenscanned before the currently-scanned original, so as to enable a user torecognize an image reading state (see Japanese Unexamined PatentPublication No. 2003-219085, for example). There has also been proposedan apparatus that controls the order of cropping an image according tothe original size of a cropped image, the position of the original, asize of a printing sheet used to print the original, and the type of theprinting sheet, even if originals of different sizes and different typesare simultaneously placed (see Japanese Unexamined Patent PublicationNo. 2007-013378, for example). There has also been proposed an apparatusthat compares the input number of originals and the detected number oforiginals, and displays the comparison result, in order to correctlydetect the number of images that the user desires to crop and to readthese images (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.2007-020122, for example).

All of the above publications describe that pre-scan is executed beforereading originals in order to detect the size and position of eachoriginal. Such kind of image reading apparatuses are common to a scannerfor personal use. On the other hand, digital multifunction peripheralsfor office use have recently been widespread. These digitalmultifunction peripherals are required to have higher working efficiencythan those for personal use. To this end, such a multifunctionperipheral has been commercially available that it has high readingspeed and includes an original size detection unit detecting a size ofan original placed on an original table without performing pre-scan.Note that such multifunction peripheral is supposed to detect a size ofa single standard size original placed at a predetermined position onthe original table by the original size detection unit. The standardsize indicates A5 size, A4 size, A3 size, and the like in regions wheresizes in AB series are popular, such as in Japan and Europe. In Japan,B5 size and B4 size are also often used. In regions where sizes in inchseries are popular such as in United States and Australia, the standardsize indicates 5.5×8.5 inch, 8.5×11 inch, 8.5×14 inch, and 11×17 inch.

A reading-area from which an image of an original is to be read isdetermined on the basis of the original size detected by the originalsize detection unit. When a multi-crop function is used, an area to becropped has to be determined by detecting a size and position of eachoriginal. However, in general, the original size detection unit does nothave detection capability adapted to the multi-crop function, andtherefore, the original size detection unit is highly likely to detectincorrect original size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is accomplished in view of the foregoingcircumstances, and provides an image reading apparatus that candetermine an optimum reading-area and execute a multi-crop scan, even ifan original size detection unit is not adapted to a multi-crop function.

The present invention provides an image reading apparatus including: anoriginal reading circuit configured to scan at least one original placedon an original table and read an image of the original; an original sizedetector configured to detect a size of an original to be scanned beforethe scan; and a control circuit configured to determine as areading-area an area from which an image is to be read by the originalreading circuit by referring to the original size detected by theoriginal size detector, wherein the control circuit is configured toinitiate a multi-crop process in which the original reading circuitscans a plurality of originals placed on the original table in batch asa batch-scan and crops an image of each of the originals, and todetermine the reading-area based on a width of a maximum original in amain scanning direction and a length of a maximum original in asub-scanning direction regardless of the detection of the original sizedetector when initiating the multi-crop process.

In the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, thecontrol unit which crops an image of each original by scanning multipleoriginals placed on an original table in batch determines the maximumarea readable by the original reading unit as a reading-area by thebatch scan, whereby an image of each original can be read withoutmissing any portion thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an appearance of a digital multifunctionperipheral shown as one example of an image reading apparatus accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digitalmultifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an original tableand surrounding thereof in the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the state in which an original isplaced at a predetermined position on the original table shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 5A is an explanatory view showing locations in the case where A5,B5, and A4 originals are longitudinally placed on the original tableshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5B is an explanatory view showing locations in the case where A5 toA3 originals are horizontally placed on the original table shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 5C is an explanatory view showing that, when originals with sizesin AB series are placed on the original table shown in FIG. 3, anoriginal size detection unit detects the sizes thereof;

FIG. 6A is an explanatory view showing locations in the case where5.5″×8.5″, B5, and 8.5″×11″ originals are longitudinally placed on theoriginal table shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6B is an explanatory view showing locations in the case whereoriginals with sizes in inch series and B5 original are horizontallyplaced on the original table shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6C is an explanatory view showing that, when originals in inchseries and B5 original are placed on the original table shown in FIG. 3,an original size detection unit detects the sizes thereof;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing presence or absence(presence/absence) of each detection beam from the original sizedetection unit according to the present invention (corresponding to FIG.5C);

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing presence/absence of eachdetection beam from the original size detection unit according to thepresent invention (corresponding to FIG. 6C);

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing presence/absence of each detectionbeam from the original size detection unit according to the presentinvention when multiple originals are placed on the original table(corresponding to later-described FIG. 19B);

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a reading-area corresponding tomaximum size originals respectively shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B;

FIG. 11A is a first explanatory view showing an operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a standardsize original is to be read;

FIG. 11B is a second explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a standardsize original is to be read;

FIG. 11C is a third explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a standardsize original is to be read;

FIG. 11D is a fourth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a standardsize original is to be read;

FIG. 11E is a fifth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a standardsize original is to be read;

FIG. 11F is a sixth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a standardsize original is to be read;

FIG. 11G is a seventh explanatory view showing the operation procedureof the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a standardsize original is to be read;

FIG. 11H is an eighth explanatory view showing the operation procedureof the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a standardsize original is to be read;

FIG. 11I is a ninth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a standardsize original is to be read;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing the state in which image data ofthe standard size original, which has been read, is stored in an USBmemory connected to the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit whenthe digital multifunction peripheral according to the present inventionreads a standard size original;

FIG. 14A is a first explanatory view showing an operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a singlemulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 14B is a second explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a singlemulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 14C is a third explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a singlemulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 14D is a fourth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a singlemulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 14E is a fifth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a singlemulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 14F is a sixth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a singlemulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing the state in which multipleoriginals for a multi-crop scan are placed on the original table shownin FIG. 3;

FIG. 16A is a seventh explanatory view showing the operation procedureof the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a singlemulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 16B is an eighth explanatory view showing the operation procedureof the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a singlemulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 16C is a ninth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a singlemulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 17A is an explanatory view showing the state in which image data ofthe original which has been read by the single multi-crop scan is storedin an USB memory connected to the digital multifunction peripheral shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 17B is an explanatory view showing another embodiment in whichimage data of the original which has been read by the single multi-cropscan is stored in an USB memory connected to the digital multifunctionperipheral shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unitwhile in the single multi-crop scan;

FIG. 19A is an explanatory view showing one embodiment in which theoriginal size detection unit according to the present invention detectsmultiple originals placed on the original table;

FIG. 19B is an explanatory view showing another embodiment in which theoriginal size detection unit according to the present invention detectsmultiple originals placed on the original table (corresponding to FIG.9);

FIG. 20A is a first explanatory view showing an operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a continuousmulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 20B is a second explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a continuousmulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing the state in which multipleoriginals for the first batch scan are placed on the original tableshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 22A is a third explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a continuousmulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 22B is a fourth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a continuousmulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 22C is a fifth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a continuousmulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing the state in which multipleoriginals for the second batch scan are placed on the original tableshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 24A is a sixth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a continuousmulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 24B is a seventh explanatory view showing the operation procedureof the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when acontinuous multi-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 24C is an eighth explanatory view showing the operation procedureof the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when acontinuous multi-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 24D is a ninth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a continuousmulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 24E is a tenth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a continuousmulti-crop scan is executed;

FIG. 25A is an explanatory view showing the state in which image data oforiginals which have been read by more than one batch scan is stored inan USB memory connected to the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 25B is an explanatory view showing another embodiment in whichimage data of originals which have been read by more than one batch scanis stored in an USB memory connected to the digital multifunctionperipheral shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unitwhile in the continuous multi-crop scan;

FIG. 27A is an explanatory view showing an example of an image obtainedby reading multiple originals having light tone edges with the originalcover being left open;

FIG. 27B is an explanatory view showing an example of an image obtainedby reading multiple originals having dark tone edges with the originalcover being closed;

FIG. 28A is a first explanatory view showing an operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a photomulti-crop is executed;

FIG. 28B is a second explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a photomulti-crop is executed;

FIG. 28C is a third explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a photomulti-crop is executed;

FIG. 28D is a fourth explanatory view showing the operation procedure ofthe digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 when a photomulti-crop is executed;

FIG. 29A is a first explanatory view showing another embodiment of anoperation procedure of the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1 when a photo multi-crop is executed;

FIG. 29B is a second explanatory view showing another embodiment of theoperation procedure of the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1 when a photo multi-crop is executed;

FIG. 29C is a third explanatory view showing another embodiment of theoperation procedure of the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1 when a photo multi-crop is executed;

FIG. 29D is a fourth explanatory view showing another embodiment of theoperation procedure of the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1 when a photo multi-crop is executed;

FIG. 29E is a fifth explanatory view showing another embodiment of theoperation procedure of the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1 when a photo multi-crop is executed;

FIG. 29F is a sixth explanatory view showing another embodiment of theoperation procedure of the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1 when a photo multi-crop is executed;

FIG. 29G is a seventh explanatory view showing another embodiment of theoperation procedure of the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1 when a photo multi-crop is executed;

FIG. 29H is an eighth explanatory view showing another embodiment of theoperation procedure of the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1 when a photo multi-crop is executed; and

FIG. 29I is a ninth explanatory view showing another embodiment of theoperation procedure of the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1 when a photo multi-crop is executed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described below in more detail withreference to the drawings. Note that the description below should beconsidered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive of thepresent invention.

<<Outline of Image Reading Apparatus>>

A specific example of an image reading apparatus according to thepresent embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a digitalmultifunction peripheral shown as one example of the image readingapparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showingthe configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG.1.

The digital multifunction peripheral 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includesan image reading apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment and animage forming apparatus 12 performing printing. The digitalmultifunction peripheral 10 is connectable to an unillustrated networkthrough a communication unit 45. The digital multifunction peripheral 10can transmit image data of an original read by the image readingapparatus 11 to an external device through the network. The digitalmultifunction peripheral 10 can receive print data from an externaldevice through the network and print the received print data by theimage forming apparatus 12. The digital multifunction peripheral 10 hasa copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, an imagefiling function, and a facsimile function.

An original cover 33 shown in FIG. 1 also serves as an automaticdocument feeder. A user can manually open the original cover 33 upward.When used as the automatic document feeder, the original cover 33 isclosed. When the original cover 33 is opened upward, an original table(not shown in FIG. 1) provided below the original cover 33 appears. Theuser can place an original on the original table and cause the imagereading apparatus 11 to read the original. A cover opening-and-closingsensor 35 (see FIG. 2) detects whether the original cover is opened orclosed.

The original table is formed from transparent glass, and below theoriginal table, a scanning unit 21 that is a mechanism for scanning anoriginal while moving and an original reading unit 23 that is anelectronic circuit for reading an image of an original scanned by thescanning unit 21 are provided. In the present embodiment, the originalreading unit is original reading circuitry including a linear imagesensor.

The image reading apparatus 11 also includes an image processingcircuit. The image processing circuit includes a cropping unit 25 thatcrops an image of an original from a reading-area which is scanned bythe scanning unit 21 and read by the original reading unit 23.

The image reading apparatus 11 also includes an image output unit 27.The image output unit 27 gives a filename to image data, which has beenread, and stores the resultant image data in a storage unit 43 servingas a memory or an USB memory connected to a later-described USBconnector 71 (shown in FIG. 3 described later). Alternatively, the imageoutput unit 27 sends the resultant image data to the image formingapparatus 12 or to an external device through the network by thecommunication unit 45. Note that the communication unit 45 iscommunication circuitry which can perform communication through a publictelephone line, besides LAN or WAN. The transmission/reception of imagedata through the public telephone line corresponds to the facsimilefunction.

An original size detection unit 31 detects the size of an original seton the original table or on the automatic document feeder. Note that adetectable original size is limited to sizes of predetermined types (theabove-mentioned standard size).

As shown in FIG. 1, an operation display unit 51 including a liquidcrystal display panel and a touch panel is provided in front of theoriginal table. In FIG. 2, the liquid crystal display panel correspondsto a display unit 51 a. The touch panel covering the display surface ofthe liquid crystal display panel corresponds to an operation key 51 b.

The control unit 41 performs controls of each component, such as thedetection of the size of an original by the original size detection unit31, scanning of an original by the scanning unit 21, reading of an imageby the original reading unit 23, a display on the display unit 51 a, andreception of an operation by the operation key 51 b. The control unit 41is control circuitry including a CPU for controlling the componentsmentioned above.

The image forming apparatus 12 includes an image receiving unit 61 thatreceives an image read by the image reading apparatus 11 or image datasent from an apparatus other than the image reading apparatus 11. Theimage forming apparatus 12 also includes an image forming unit 63 thatforms a visible image on the basis of the acquired image data. The imageforming unit 63 forms an image with a known method such as anelectrophotographic method or an ink jet method. A sheet feed unit 65feeds a printing sheet to the image forming unit 63, and a sheetconveyance unit 67 conveys the printing sheet fed from the sheet feedunit 65 to the image forming unit 63. The image forming unit 63transfers the formed image onto a conveyed printing sheet, fuses theimage onto the printing sheet, and outputs the resultant sheet onto asheet output unit 69.

The operation of the image forming apparatus may be controlled by anexclusive control unit not shown in FIG. 2. However, in the presentembodiment, the control unit 41 also performs the controls describedabove.

<<Original Table and Detection of Original Size>>

The original table and the detection of the size of an original placedon the original table in the present embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the original tableand surrounding thereof in the digital multifunction peripheral shown inFIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the original cover 33 is opened upward, and theoriginal table 20 is provided below the original cover 33. The originalsize detection unit 31 is mounted at the far side of the original table20. When the original cover 33 is opened, i.e., when the coveropening-and-closing sensor 35 detects the open state, the original sizedetection unit 31 is located above the original table 20. On the otherhand, when the original cover 33 is closed, the original size detectionunit 31 is pressed by the original cover 33 to be moved downward. Notethat FIG. 3 shows only a part of the original size detection unit 31.The other part of the original size detection unit 31 is disposed at anunillustrated portion below the original table 20. The function of theoriginal size detection unit 31 including the unillustrated part will bedescribed later.

The operation display unit 51 and the USB connector 71 are provided onthe near side of the original table 20. The USB connector 71 is aconnector for connecting an USB device such as an USB memory to thedigital multifunction peripheral 10. The digital multifunctionperipheral 10 has a function of reading an original placed on theoriginal table 20 and storing the image data of the original, which hasbeen read, into an USB memory connected to the USB connector 71.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the state in which an original 20b is placed on a predetermined position of the original table 20 shownin FIG. 3. A user places the original onto the original table 20 with aportion to be read facing downward. The back left corner of the originaltable 20 serves as a reference position when the original 20 b isplaced, and is provided with a corner mark 20 a for allowing a user torecognize the reference position.

The original reading unit 23 is circuitry including a linear imagesensor in the present embodiment, and the reading direction along a lineof the linear image sensor is along a direction (hereinafter referred toas a main scanning direction) indicated by an arrow M in FIG. 4. Thescanning unit 21 moves in a direction orthogonal to the main scanningdirection, that is, a direction (hereinafter referred to as asub-scanning direction) indicated by an arrow S in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5A is an explanatory view showing locations when A5, B5, and A4originals are placed on the original table 20. In this case, alongitudinal direction means a direction in which a short side of arectangular original extends along the sub-scanning direction. The userplaces an original in such a way to align the top corner of the originalwith the corner mark 20 a, whatever size it has. Further, FIG. 5B is anexplanatory view showing locations when A5 to A3 originals are placed onthe original table 20. In this case, a lateral direction means adirection in which a long side of an original extends along thesub-scanning direction. The user places an original in such a way toalign the top corner of the original with the corner mark 20 a, whateversize it has.

FIG. 5C is an explanatory view showing the state in which, whenoriginals in AB series are placed on the original table 20, the originalsize detection unit 31 detects the size of the originals.

The original size detection unit 31 includes seven light-emittingelements D01 to D07 arranged along the sub-scanning direction. Each ofthe light-emitting elements D01 to D07 emits light obliquely downward tothe near side from top at the far side of the original table 20. Theemitted light passes through the original table 20 made of transparentglass from top to bottom. The emitted light then passes through a slitformed below the original table 20 at the near side, and reaches acorresponding light-receiving element.

Seven slits and seven light-receiving elements are arranged along thesub-scanning direction so as to correspond to the light-emittingelements D01 to D07. The arrangement relation of a set of alight-emitting element, a slit, and a light-receiving element as viewedfrom top is illustrated at the right part in FIG. 5C. This arrangementrelation is illustrated as enclosed by a rectangle.

Infrared light is radiated toward the near side with a certain spreadfrom the light-emitting element 31 a composed of an infraredlight-emitting diode. Out of the infrared light, a beam of infraredlight radiated toward the top surface 31 b of the original table passesthrough the original table 20 from the top surface to the bottom surfacewhile refracting, and enters the light-receiving element 31 d throughthe slit 31 c formed below the original table 20 at the near side. Theslit 31 c is formed to block infrared light emitted from the adjacentlight-emitting element.

Seven infrared beams emitted from seven light-emitting elements towardthe corresponding seven light-receiving elements are illustrated bytwo-dot-chain lines in FIG. 5C. When an original is placed on theoriginal table 20, infrared beam is blocked by the original at theportion where the original is placed, and thus, the infrared beam doesnot reach the light-receiving element. In the case where the imagereading apparatus 11 is in a stand-by state and the coveropening-and-closing sensor 35 detects the closed state of the originalcover 33, the control unit 41 sequentially reads whether or not aninfrared beam reaches the seven light-receiving elements in the originalsize detection unit 31. Each infrared beam detects the presence/absenceof an original on a plurality of different locations. The size of anoriginal placed on the original table 20 can be determined by a patternindicating whether or not each infrared beam reaches the correspondinglight-receiving element. Each infrared beam is referred to as adetection beam below in some cases. When the cover opening-and-closingsensor 35 detects the closed state, the control unit 41 stops reading ofeach infrared beam, and keeps the size of the original based on the lastread detection beam. When the cover opening-and-closing sensor 35detects the open state, the control unit 41 sequentially reads eachinfrared beam again.

FIGS. 5A to 5C show the determination of each size in AB series, andFIGS. 6A to 6C show the determination of B5 size and sizes in inchseries corresponding to the sizes in FIGS. 5A to 5C. Notably, which oneof a size in AB series and a size in inch series is detected isselectively set according to the situation of a customer using thedigital multifunction peripheral 10.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing patterns of presence/absence ofdetection beams corresponding to each size (see FIG. 5C) of an originalin AB series. In FIG. 7, items D01 to D07 in the horizontal directionindicate whether or not an infrared beam is detected by thelight-receiving element corresponding to the light-emitting element inFIG. 5C. The items in the vertical direction in FIG. 7 indicate sizes. Acircle (O) in FIG. 7 indicates that a detection beam reaches alight-receiving element, that is, a detection beam is present. A crossmark (X) in FIG. 7 indicates that a detection beam does not reach alight-receiving element, that is, a detection beam is not present.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing patterns of presence/absence ofdetection beams corresponding to each size in inch series and B5 size(see FIG. 6C).

FIG. 9 shows a pattern of presence/absence of detection beams differentfrom any patterns in FIGS. 7 and 8. As described later, when thedetection pattern in FIG. 9 which does not correspond to any one ofstandard size originals is obtained, it may be determined that multipleoriginals 20 are placed on the original table 20, and a multi-crop scanmay be performed.

<<Reading-area of Original>>

A reading-area from which an image of an original is read by theoriginal reading unit 23 will be described.

The control unit 41 determines a reading area, i.e. an area which shouldbe read by the original reading unit 23 on the basis of an original sizedetected by the original size detection unit 31. As shown in FIGS. 5A,5B, 6A, and 6B, the reading-area corresponds to an area where anoriginal is placed on the original table 20.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a reading-area corresponding tothe maximum original size, that is, A3 size and 11″×17″ size, shown inFIGS. 5B and 6B respectively. As shown in FIG. 10, an A3 size has anarea with a length of 297 mm in the main scanning direction and 420 mmin the sub-scanning direction. A 11″×17″ size has an area with a lengthof 279.4 mm in the main scanning direction and 431.8 mm in thesub-scanning direction. As described above, the 11″×17″ size is slightlysmaller in the main scanning direction and slightly larger in thesub-scanning direction than the A3 size.

Strictly speaking, a reading-area is determined to be somewhat smallerthan an original size so as to form a margin of about 1 to 10 mm aroundeach original. This is to prevent an edge of an original from appearingon the read image as a shadow.

<<Operation Procedure for Reading Standard Size Original>>

Subsequently, one example of an operation for reading an image of anoriginal which has an ordinary standard size and is placed on theoriginal table 20 will be described. While the present invention relatesto a multi-crop scan, the example of the operation for reading anordinary original will be described first, which facilitatesunderstanding of the features of the present invention relating to amulti-crop scan.

FIGS. 11A to 11I are explanatory views showing a display on theoperation display unit 51 and an operation procedure required to beperformed by a user when the digital multifunction peripheral 10 reads astandard size original.

FIG. 11A shows one example of an operation screen displayed on theoperation display unit 51 while the image reading apparatus 11 is in astand-by mode. Operation keys (operation buttons) concerning variousfunctions of the digital multifunction peripheral 10 including the imagereading apparatus 11 are displayed on the operation screen. When theuser touches these operation keys, he/she can execute various functions.Out of these functions, the case where an original is read and the readimage is stored in an USB memory connected to the USB connector 71 willbe described as one example of an operation procedure for reading anoriginal.

To read an original and store the image data thereof in the USB memory,the user touches the operation key of “Scan to HDD/USB” on the operationscreen shown in FIG. 11A (see FIG. 11B). The fingers illustrated in FIG.11B indicate the operation of the user touching the operation key of“Scan to HDD/USB” with his/her finger F. In the description below, theuser's touch operation on operation keys is similarly indicated by usingthe illustration of fingers.

In response to the operation shown in FIG. 11B, the control unit 41displays the operation screen shown in FIG. 11C on the operation displayunit 51. Operation keys concerning the setting of reading, such as “FileName”, “Color Mode”, “Resolution”, “File Format”, “Original”, and“Exposure”, are disposed on the operation screen shown in FIG. 11C. A“CA” key for resetting the setting and a “Start” key for starting thereading operation are also disposed.

The “File Name” is the operation key used by the user to designate afile name of image data to be stored in the USB memory. The “Color Mode”is the operation key for selecting in which one of the modes of color,gray scale, and monochrome the original should be read. The “Resolution”is the operation key for selecting resolution in reading. The “Format”is the operation key for selecting a format of the image data to beoutput, such as PDF, TIFF, or JPEG. The “Original” is the operation keyfor designating an original size or a double-side original by a user.The “Exposure” is the operation key for selecting exposure in reading anoriginal. The user can perform settings using these operation keys, asneeded.

When the user places a standard size original at a predeterminedposition on the original table 20, the original size detection unit 31outputs a detection pattern according to the size of the original byseven detection beams. The control unit 41 determines the size of theoriginal placed on the original table 20 on the basis of the detectionpattern.

When the user touches the “Start” key on the operation screen shown inFIG. 11C (see FIG. 11D), the control unit 41 starts the readingoperation of the original in response to this operation. The controlunit 41 determines a reading-area according to the original size andreads the original by controlling the scanning unit 21 and the originalreading unit 23. The control unit 41 also displays a message of“Scanning original. (Pg. No. 1)” and an operation key of “Cancel Scan”on the operation display unit 51 during the reading. The “(Pg. No. 1)”in the message indicates that the first page is currently read.

When the reading of the first original is finished, the control unit 41then displays, on the operation display unit 51, a screen for asking theuser to select whether to end the reading, to change the setting for thenext reading, or to start the next reading, as shown in FIG. 11F.

When the user then opens the original cover 33 and places the nextoriginal on the original table 20, the original size detection unit 31outputs a pattern of detection beams according to the size of theoriginal which is newly set. When the user presses the “Start” key withthis state (see FIG. 11G), the control unit 41 starts the reading of thenext original in response to this operation. The control unit 41 causesthe image reading unit 23 to read the original in the reading-areadetermined based on the original size. While reading, the control unit41 displays the message of “Scanning original.” on the operation displayunit 51 as in FIG. 11E. However, during the second reading, “Pg. No. 2”is displayed in place of “Pg. No. 1” in FIG. 11E to notify the user thatthis is the second reading.

When the reading of the second original is finished, the control unit 41then displays the screen same as that in FIG. 11F on the operationdisplay unit 51 to ask the user to select whether to end the reading, tochange the setting for the next reading, or to start the next reading.

When the user touches the operation key of “Read-End” (see FIG. 11H),the control unit 41 stores the image data of the two originals, whichhave been read, into the USB memory connected to the USB connector 71.After the writing on the USB memory is finished, the control unit 41displays a message of “Originals have been scanned. (Pg. No. 2)” on theoperation display unit 51 (see FIG. 11I).

As shown in FIG. 12, the image output unit 27 stores a PDF file formedby combining two pages of the read original into one file into the USBmemory. The file name includes information of date and time at which theoriginals are scanned and read. That is, the part “20150123” in the filename of “image20150123_0918.pdf” shown in FIG. 12 indicates the date ofJan. 23, 2015. The part “0918” subsequent to the date indicates the timeof 9:18.

<<Operation Procedure for Reading Standard Size Original>>

The above-mentioned process in which the control unit 41 executesreading of an original will comprehensively be described.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the control unitwhen the digital multifunction peripheral 10 reads a standard sizeoriginal. Although the digital multifunction peripheral 10simultaneously performs other processes (for example, an image formingprocess) in some cases, the description of such processes will beomitted. As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 41 displays a screen forallowing a user to select the original reading condition on theoperation display unit 51 (step S11, corresponding to FIGS. 11A to 11C),and waits until the original size detection unit 31 detects an originalplaced on the original table 20 (step S13).

After the original size detection unit 31 detects that an original isplaced on the original table 20 and the size of this original (Yes instep S13), the control unit 41 validates the reception of an operationon the “Start” key displayed on the operation display unit 51 (stepS15). Then, the control unit 41 waits until the “Start” key is pressed(step S17).

After the “Start” key is pressed (Yes in step S17, corresponding to FIG.11D), the control unit 41 determines a reading-area of the original, andstarts scanning and reading of the original (step S19, corresponding toFIG. 11E). Every time a single original is scanned, the control unit 41asks the user to select whether to perform the next reading or end thereading (step S21, corresponding to FIG. 11F). When the “Start” key ispressed, the control unit 41 performs next reading (loop of No in stepS21, corresponding to FIG. 11G).

On the other hand, when the “Read-End” key is pressed, the control unit41 ends the reading (Yes in step S21, corresponding to FIG. 11H).

Then, the control unit 41 starts the transfer of the image data of theoriginal, which has been read, into the memory (step S23). In thepresent embodiment, the image data is transferred to the USB memoryconnected to the USB connector 71 through the image output unit 27.However, this is only one example. In the case where the copyingfunction is selected, the image data is transferred to the image formingapparatus 12 through the image output unit 27. Note that the image datamay temporarily be stored in the storage unit 43 as a buffer. In thecase where the scanner function is selected, the image data may betransmitted to an external device connected to a network through thecommunication unit 45. In the case where the image filing function isselected, the image data is transferred to the storage unit 43 andstored therein. In the case where the facsimile function is selected,the image data is transmitted through the communication unit 45 and apublic line.

After the transfer of the image data is completed (Yes in step S25), thecontrol unit 41 notifies the user of the completion of the transfer(step S27, corresponding to FIG. 11I), and then, ends the process.

<<Operation Procedure of Multi-crop Scan>>

Next, an operation procedure of a multi-crop scan according to thepresent embodiment will be described.

FIGS. 14A to 14F, 15, and 16A to 16C are explanatory views showing theoperation procedure when the digital multifunction peripheral 10performs a single multi-crop scan.

When performing the multi-crop scan, the digital multifunctionperipheral 10 which has been in the stand-by mode reaches the screen inFIG. 14A which is similar to the screen in FIG. 11C through theoperation screen in FIG. 11A and the operation screen in FIG. 11B. Whenthe user touches an “Others” key on the screen in FIG. 14A (see FIG.14B), the control unit 41 displays the screen in FIG. 14C on theoperation display unit 51 in response to this operation. A “Multi-crop”key is displayed as one of other functions on the screen in FIG. 14C.Note that a “Photo Multi-crop” key which also relates to the presentembodiment will be described later, and the “Multi-crop” will firstly bedescribed. Note that, in the present specification, the “PhotoMulti-crop” is also referred to as “inversion multi-crop”. On the otherhand, ordinary multi-crop is also referred to as “non-inversionmulti-crop”.

When the user presses the “Multi-crop” key (see FIG. 14D), the controlunit 41 displays a check mark indicating that the “Multi-crop” isselected on the “Multi-crop” key in response to the operation in FIG.14D. Then, the control unit 41 displays the message of “Leave theautomatic document feeder open and press [Start] to scan.” along with an“OK” key on the operation display unit 51 (see FIG. 14E). When astandard size original is to be read, the original cover 33, that is,the automatic document feeder in the above message, is closed inprinciple. However, in the multi-crop scan, the original is scanned withthe original cover being left open in order that the area outside of theoriginal is read as black with respect to the white or light tone baseof the original. The cropping unit 25 recognizes the border of eachoriginal on the basis of the contrast between the light tone base of theoriginal and the black color of the area outside of the original, andperforms cropping.

When the user reads the message of “Leave the automatic document feederopen and press [Start] to scan.” and presses the “OK” key (see FIG.14F), the control unit 41 erases the message in response to thisoperation.

The user arranges multiple originals, which are the objects for themulti-crop scan, on the original table 20.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing the state in which four originals20 b for the multi-crop scan are placed on the original table 20. Thereference numerals 1 to 4 attached to the respective originals indicateone example of the cropping order, and these reference numeralscorrespond to serial numbers in filenames described later.

When the user presses the “Start” key with the original cover 33 beingleft open (see FIG. 16A), the control unit 41 determines the maximumarea for the multi-crop scan as a reading-area and causes the scanningunit 21 and the original reading unit 23 to scan and read the fouroriginals 20 b in batch, in response to the operation in FIG. 16A. Whilereading, the control unit 41 displays a message of “Scanning original.(Pg. No. 1)” and an operation key of “Cancel Scan” on the operationdisplay unit 51 as shown in FIG. 16B. The “Pg. No. 1” in the messageindicates that the first batch scan is currently executed.

Notably, the control unit 41 can acquire the open state and closed stateof the original cover 33 by the cover opening-and-closing sensor 35.Therefore, when the original cover 33 is closed, the control unit 41 mayinvalidate the “Start” key to inhibit the start of the batch scan (firstembodiment).

Alternatively, when the original cover 33 is closed, the control unit 41may display a message encouraging the user to open the original cover 33on the operation display unit 51 (second embodiment).

Further, when the “Start” key is pressed with the original cover 33being closed, the control unit 41 may inhibit the start of the batchscan, and at that time, display a message, which encourages the user toopen the original cover 33 and again press the “Start” key, on theoperation display unit 51 (third embodiment).

<<Reading-area for Multi-crop Scan>>

A reading-area of a standard size original is determined by the controlunit 41 on the basis of the original size detected by the original sizedetection unit 31. However, when multiple originals 20 b are placed onthe original table 20 with a space therebetween as shown in FIG. 15, theoriginal size detection unit 31 in the present embodiment is unable toprecisely detect the size of each original.

In view of this, when the multi-crop scan is selected by the touch onthe “Multi-crop” key, the control unit 41 performs the control todisregard the original size detected by the original size detection unit31 and to read the maximum area readable by the scanning unit 21 and theimage reading unit 23. Specifically, the control unit 41 determines themaximum readable area as a reading-area, regardless of the detection bythe original size detection unit 31.

For example, in the present embodiment, the maximum original size in ABseries is A3 which has 297 mm in the main scanning direction and 420 mmin the sub-scanning direction as shown in FIG. 10. This can be said tobe the readable maximum area. More specifically, in the case where amargin of 10 mm is formed around an original, the reading-area has 277mm, which is smaller than 297 mm by 20 mm in total at both ends, in themain scanning direction and 400 mm, which is smaller than 420 mm by 20mm in total at both ends, in the sub-scanning direction. An image in themargin is not read.

However, the margin is formed to prevent the edge of the standard sizeoriginal from being read, and when the multi-crop scan is performed tomultiple originals arranged as shown in FIG. 15, there is no point informing a margin. Therefore, when the multi-crop scan is selected, notthe reading-area for A3 size but the area for A3 size with no margin,that is, the area having 297 mm in the main scanning direction and 420mm in the sub-scanning direction, may be determined as a reading-area.In this way, the control unit 41 determines, as a reading-area for themulti-crop scan, an area larger than a reading-area in reading astandard size original of A3 size which is the maximum original sizedetectable by the original size detection unit (fourth embodiment).

Alternatively, in the case where the multi-crop is selected, the digitalmultifunction peripheral 10, which selectively sets a size of a standardsize original in AB series and inch series, may set 297 mm whichcorresponds to A3 size and is larger than 11″=279.4 mm that is themaximum original size in inch series, as a reading-area in the mainscanning direction. On the other hand, in the sub-scanning direction,17″=431.8 mm which is the maximum original size in inch series largerthan 420 mm of A3 size which is the maximum original size in AB seriesmay be set as a reading-area. In such way, the control unit 41 maydetermine an area larger than the reading-area of an A3 size which isthe maximum original size as a reading-area for the multi-crop scan(fifth embodiment).

Alternatively, if an area larger than the above-mentioned area can beread in either one or both of the main scanning direction and thesub-scanning direction, the maximum area thereof may be employed as areading-area when the multi-crop is selected. In such way, the controlunit 41 may determine an area larger than the reading-area of an A3 sizewhich is the maximum original size as a reading-area for the multi-cropscan (sixth embodiment).

<<Cropping Process of Original>>

When the multi-crop is selected, the cropping unit 25 crops an image ofeach original from the image of multiple originals which have beenscanned in batch. In this case, the edge, that is, the border betweenthe original and the area outside of the original, may be determined,supposing that the original has a rectangular shape. The cropping unit25 recognizes the border of each original on the basis of the contrastbetween a light tone base of the original and black color of the areaoutside of the original and crops the image of each original. Therefore,it is premised that there are no characters and images on the edge ofthe original, and the edge of the original has a light tone base.However, even if this premise is not locally established, an area ofeach original can precisely be cropped on the basis of the premise thatthe original has a rectangular shape.

From another point of view, if the premise that the edge of the originalhas a light tone base at any positions is established, the area of eachoriginal can precisely be cropped without presupposing that the originalhas a rectangular shape.

<<Output of Image Data>>

After the batch scan is finished, the control unit 41 stores the imagedata of four originals which have been read by the batch scan andcropped by the cropping unit 25 into the USB memory connected to the USBconnector 71. After finishing the writing to the USB memory, the controlunit 41 displays a message of “Originals have been scanned. (Pg. No. 1)”on the operation display unit 51 (see FIG. 16C).

Notably, while the “multi-crop” is a function of performing a batch scanonly once (this function is referred to as single multi-crop in thepresent specification) in the present embodiment, a function ofperforming a batch scan more than once (this function is referred to ascontinuous multi-crop in the present specification) can be selected byanother operation.

As shown in FIG. 17A, the image data corresponding to the cropped fouroriginals is stored in the USB memory as four files stored in onefolder. This folder is newly created when the files are stored in theUSB memory. The filename attached to each of the four files includesinformation of the date and time at which the originals are scanned inbatch. The filename also includes information indicating the relationamong four files. The first filename “image20150123_0921_0001.pdf” outof four files shown in FIG. 17A will be described. The part “20150123”indicates the date of Jan. 23, 2015, and the subsequent part “0921”indicates the time of 9:21. Since the four files have been read by thebatch scan, they have the information of the same date and time. Thefiles also include serial numbers of 0001 to 0004 indicating therelation thereof at the end of the filename of each file. Due to theserial number attached to each filename, the user can easily recognizethat the image data is a series of image data.

In addition, the name of the folder storing these files includes theinformation of the date and time at which the originals are scanned inbatch (seventh embodiment).

FIG. 17B is an explanatory view showing an embodiment different fromFIG. 17A. In FIG. 17A, the image data of each original cropped through abatch scan is stored in a newly-created folder. On the other hand, inFIG. 17B, each file is stored without creating a folder. Note that thefilenames of four image data pieces include information of the date andtime at which the originals are scanned in batch, as in FIG. 17A. Thefilenames also include serial numbers as information indicating therelation of four files. Only from the filenames, the relation of fourfiles is recognized, since the filenames include the same date and sametime (eighth embodiment).

The serial number attached at the end of each file in FIGS. 17A and 17Bis merely one example of the information indicating relation. Theinformation indicating relation may be other than the serial number,such as an alphabet. The position where this information is attached isnot limited to the end of the filename. For example, this informationmay be attached in the middle of the filename, such as before or afterthe date information.

As still another embodiment, image data may be stored as beingassociated with one another in a known linked list to enable a user torecognize the relation of a series of image data (ninth embodiment). Theformat is not limited to a linked list, and any format is applicable, solong as multiple files can be stored in association with one another.

Further, in FIG. 17A, the folder name and the filename have theinformation of the same date and same time, which is somewhat redundant.For example, the date information or time information which is alsoincluded in the folder name or both of them may be eliminated from thefilename.

The present embodiment describes, as one example, the case in whichimage data is stored in an USB memory. However, there can be otherembodiments. For example, in the case where image data is transmitted toan external device connected through a network and stored therein, afilename similar to the above may be attached, a folder may newly becreated, and the image data may be stored in the folder, as in FIG. 17A.Alternatively, the image data may be stored without creating a folder asin FIG. 17B.

<<Operation Procedure of Reading Original by Multi-crop Scan>>

The process in which the control unit 41 executes the above-mentionedmulti-crop scan will comprehensively be described.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the control unitwhen the multi-crop is selected. As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit41 displays a screen for allowing a user to select the scanningcondition and multi-crop on the operation display unit 51 (step S31,corresponding to FIGS. 14A to 14D). Then, the control unit 41 requeststhe user to leave the original cover open (corresponding to FIGS. 14E to14F). The control unit 41 then waits until multiple originals arearranged on the original table 20 (step S33, corresponding to FIG. 15)and the “Start” key is pressed (step S35).

Although the original size detection unit 31 cannot precisely detect thesizes of the originals arranged on the original table 20, it can detectwhether or not the originals are placed on the original table 20.

When the “Start” key is pressed (Yes in step S35, corresponding to FIG.16A), the control unit 41 determines the maximum readable area as areading-area (step S37), and then, starts scanning and reading of theoriginals (step S39, corresponding to FIG. 16B). After finishing thereading (Yes in step S41), the control unit 41 controls such that thecropping unit 25 crops the image data of each original (step S43).

Then, the control unit 41 starts the transfer of the image data of theoriginals, which have been read, to a memory (step S45). In the presentembodiment, the image data is transferred to a USB memory connected tothe USB connector 71. However, this is merely one example. In themulti-crop scan, if the copying function is selected, the image data istransferred to the image forming apparatus 12 through the image outputunit 27, as in the case of a standard size original. In the case wherethe scanner function is selected, the image data may be transmitted toan external device connected to a network through the communication unit45. In the case where the image filing function is selected, the imagedata is transferred to the storage unit 43 and stored therein. In thecase where the facsimile function is selected, the image data istransmitted through the communication unit 45 and a public line.

After the transfer of the image data is completed (Yes in step S45), thecontrol unit notifies the user of the completion of the transfer (stepS47, corresponding to FIG. 16C), and then, ends the process.

<<Function of Original Size Detection Unit in Multi-crop Scan>>

The original size detection unit 31 is supposed to detect a standardsize original. Therefore, when multiple originals are arranged for themulti-crop scan, the original size detection unit 31 is unable toprecisely detect the size of each original.

FIG. 19A is an explanatory view showing one embodiment in which theoriginal size detection unit 31 detects multiple originals placed on theoriginal table 20.

FIG. 19B is an explanatory view showing an embodiment different from theembodiment in FIG. 19A.

In FIG. 19A, the original size detection unit 31 outputs detection beamsin a pattern same as that for a B4 size in FIG. 7. However, the sizes ofthe originals placed on the original table 20 are different from B4size. Further, the pattern of the detection beams corresponding to FIG.19B (FIG. 9 illustrates the pattern of the detection beams correspondingto FIG. 19B) is different from any of the patterns illustrated in FIG.7.

In the embodiment described above, since the multi-crop is selected, thecontrol unit 41 determines the maximum readable area as a reading-area,regardless of the detection beams obtained by the original sizedetection unit 31.

As a modification, when the pattern of detection beams corresponding toa B4 size is obtained as illustrated in FIG. 19A, the control unit 41may determine an A3 size which is somewhat larger than the B4 size as areading-area for the multi-crop scan. Specifically, the control unit 41determines a reading-area corresponding to an original size at leastsomewhat larger than the original size detected by the original sizedetection unit 31 as a reading-area by a batch scan. This configurationenables the area where the originals are arranged to be determined as areading-area and prevents unnecessary scan of an area having nooriginals (tenth embodiment).

As another modification, when a pattern of detection beams which cannever be obtained from a standard size original is obtained as shown inFIG. 19B, the control unit 41 may perform the multi-crop scan.Particularly, this is the case where the beam from the light-emittingelement D04 is detected but the beams (from D05 to D07) for the sizelarger than that are not detected in FIG. 19B, for example. In suchcase, the control unit 41 may determine that multiple originals arearranged on the original table 20, and perform the multi-crop scan.Specifically, the control unit 41 performs the multi-crop scan in thecase where the detection pattern by the original size detection unit 31corresponds to none of predetermined patterns for a standard sizeoriginal. Alternatively, the control unit 41 may display a message forasking a user whether to execute the multi-crop scan on the operationdisplay unit 51 (eleventh embodiment).

In the multi-crop scan, the original size detection unit 31 is unable toprecisely detect the size of an original, but can detect whether or notan original is placed on the original table 20. Therefore, if thepattern of detection beams shows that there is no original on theoriginal table 20, the control unit 41 may invalidate the “Start” key toprevent the start of the multi-crop scan even if the “Start” key ispressed.

<<Embodiment of Performing Batch Scan More Than Once>>

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 21, 22A to 22C, 23, and 24A to 24E show an operationprocedure for reading originals by a batch scan performed more than onceby the continuous multi-crop scan of the digital multifunctionperipheral 10.

When the continuous multi-crop scan is to be executed in the presentembodiment, the “Multi-crop” is selected through the screens shown inFIGS. 11A, 11B, and 14A to 14F from the stand-by state. Note that, inthis stage, the single multi-crop is selected. When the user thentouches an “Original count” key on the screen shown in FIG. 20A, thecontrol unit 41 recognizes that the continuous multi-crop is selected inresponse to this operation. Then, the control unit 41 displays a checkmark on the “Original count” key to inform the user of the selection ofthe multi-crop including an original count, that is, the selection ofthe continuous multi-crop (see FIG. 20B).

In other words, the “Multi-crop” key receives the selection of thesingle multi-crop process, while the “Original count” key receives theselection of the continuous multi-crop process. In the presentembodiment, the continuous multi-crop is selected in combination of the“Multi-crop” key and the “Original count” key. However, in anotherembodiment, a “single multi-crop” key and a “continuous multi-crop key”may be prepared as different operation keys, and either one of them maybe selected.

The user arranges multiple originals which are the objects for themulti-crop scan on the original table 20.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view illustrating the state in which four (1to 4) originals 20 b are placed on the original table 20 for themulti-crop scan as in FIG. 15.

When the user presses the “Start” key (see FIG. 22A), the control unit41 determines a reading-area for the multi-crop scan and causes thescanning unit 21 and the original reading unit 23 to read the four (1 to4) originals 20 b by a batch scan, in response to this operation. Whilereading, the control unit 41 displays the message of “Scanning original.(Pg. No. 1)” and the operation key of “Cancel scan” as shown in FIG.22B. The “(Pg. No. 1)” in the message indicates that this is the firstbatch scan.

After the first batch scan is finished, the cropping unit 25 cropsimages corresponding to 1 to 4 originals. The control unit 41 displaysoperation keys of “Read-End”, “Change setting”, and “Start” along with amessage of “4 originals have been scanned. (Total: 4 pages)” on theoperation display unit 51, on the basis of the cropping of the originalsby the cropping unit 25, to encourage the user to do the next operation(see FIG. 22C).

When the user arranges four (5 to 8) originals which are the objects forthe next multi-crop scan on the original table 20 (see FIG. 23) andpresses the “Start” key (see FIG. 24A), the control unit 41 starts thenext batch scan in response to this operation. Specifically, the controlunit 41 determines a reading-area for the multi-crop scan and causes thescanning unit 21 and the original reading unit 23 to read the fouroriginals 20 b by a batch scan. While reading, the control unit 41displays the message of “Scanning original. (Pg. No. 2)” and theoperation key of “Cancel scan” as shown in FIG. 24B. The “(Pg. No. 2)”in the message indicates that this is the second batch scan.

The control unit 41 handles the image data obtained by the first batchscan and the image data obtained by the second batch scan as a series ofimage data.

After the second batch scan is finished, the cropping unit 25 cropsimages corresponding to four (5 to 8) originals. The control unit 41displays operation keys of “Read-End”, “Change setting”, and “Start”along with a message of “4 originals have been scanned. (Total: 8pages)” on the operation display unit 51, on the basis of the croppingof the originals by the cropping unit 25 (see FIG. 24C).

The message of “4 originals have been scanned.” indicates that there arefour originals read by the second batch scan, and the part “(Total: 8pages)” indicates that eight originals in total have been read by asequence of batch scans starting from the first batch scan.

In this way, the control unit 41 displays the number of originalscropped by each batch scan and the total number of originals croppedfrom the first batch scan on the operation display unit 51. The controlunit 41 makes these displays at every batch scan.

When the user touches the operation key of “Read-End” (see FIG. 24D),the control unit 41 stores the image data of the eight originals intotal, which have been read and cropped by two batch scans so far, intothe USB memory connected to the USB connector 71. After the writing onthe USB memory is finished, the control unit 41 displays the message of“Originals have been scanned (Pg. No. 2)” on the operation display unit51 (see FIG. 24E).

As shown in FIG. 25A, the control unit 41 stores the image datacorresponding to cropped eight originals in total into the USB memory aseight files stored in one folder. The filename attached to each of theeight files includes information of the date and time at which the firstbatch scan is executed. The filename also includes informationindicating the relation of eight files. The first filename“image20150123_0925_0001.pdf” out of eight files shown in FIG. 25A willbe described. The part “20150123” indicates the date of Jan. 23, 2015,and the subsequent part “0925” indicates the time of 9:25. Since theeight files have been read by the continuous multi-crop scan, they havethe information of the same date and time. The files also include serialnumbers of 0001 to 0008 indicating the relation thereof at the end ofthe filename of each file.

In addition, the name of the folder storing these files includes theinformation of the date and time at which the first batch scan isexecuted (twelfth embodiment).

FIG. 25B is an explanatory view showing an embodiment different fromthat in FIG. 25A in which image data of the originals which have beenread is stored in the USB memory. In FIG. 25A, the image data of eachoriginal cropped by the batch scan is stored in one folder that is newlycreated. On the other hand, in FIG. 25B, each file is stored withoutcreating a new folder. However, eight files include the information ofthe date and time at which the first batch scan is executed, as in FIG.25A. The eight files also include the information indicating therelation of these files. Only from the filenames, it is understood thatthe eight files are related to one another, since the same date and sametime are attached thereto. The information of the time at which thefirst batch scan is executed is the information at which the multi-cropscan is started. Therefore, this information is considered to be morelikely to leave impression on the user than the second and subsequentbatch scans. That is, it is considered that the user easily recalls thedetail of the file from the time information attached to the filename.

Note that the serial number attached at the end of each file in FIGS.25A and 25B is merely one example of the information indicatingrelation. This is similar to the case in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

As described above, in the continuous multi-crop scan, the image of therespective originals read by more than one batch scan is handled as aseries of image data so as to be distinguishable from other image data.

On the other hand, in the single multi-crop scan, the images of therespective originals read by each batch scan is handled as a series ofimage data, but they are handled as being distinguished from image dataread by other batch scans, such as a previous or next batch scan.

<<Operation Procedure of Continuous Multi-crop Scan>>

The process in which the control unit 41 executes the above-mentionedmulti-crop scan will comprehensively be described.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by the controlunit when the continuous multi-crop is selected. As shown in FIG. 26,the control unit 41 displays a screen for allowing a user to select thescanning condition and multi-crop on the operation display unit 51 (stepS51, corresponding to FIGS. 14A to 14D). Then, the control unit 41requests the user to leave the original cover open (corresponding toFIGS. 14E to 14F). The control unit 41 then waits until the user touchesthe “Original count” key to select the continuous multi-crop(corresponding to FIGS. 20A and 20B), multiple originals are arranged onthe original table 20 (step S53, corresponding to FIG. 21), and the“Start” key is pressed (step S55).

When the “Start” key is pressed (Yes in step S55, corresponding to FIG.22A), the control unit 41 determines the maximum readable area as areading-area (step S57), and then, starts scanning and reading of theoriginals (step S59). Then, the control unit 41 waits until the readingby the batch scan is finished (step S61, corresponding to FIG. 22B).

After finishing the reading, the control unit 41 controls such that thecropping unit 25 crops the image data of each original (step S63), anddisplays the cropped result on the operation display unit 51 (step S65,corresponding to FIG. 22C). Then, the control unit 41 waits until the“Read-End” key is pressed (step S67) or the “Start” key is pressed (stepS55 through No in step S67).

When the originals to be read next are arranged on the original table(corresponding to FIG. 23) and the “Start” key is pressed (Yes in stepS55, corresponding to FIG. 24A), the control unit 41 determines themaximum readable area as a reading-area (step S57). Then, the controlunit 41 performs the second batch scan (steps S59 to S65, correspondingto FIG. 24B).

The control unit 41 then waits again until the “Read-End” key is pressed(step S67) or the “Start” key is pressed (step S55 through No in stepS67, corresponding to FIG. 24C).

When the “Read-End” key is pressed, the control unit 41 ends the reading(Yes in step S67, corresponding to FIG. 24D).

Then, the control unit 41 controls such that the cropping unit 25 cropsthe image data of the last original which has been read (step S69), andstarts the transfer of the image data of the originals, which have beenread, to the memory (step S71). In the present embodiment, the imagedata is transferred to the USB memory connected to the USB connector 71.However, this is merely one example. In the continuous multi-crop scan,if the copying function is selected, the control unit 41 transfers theimage data to the image forming apparatus 12 through the image outputunit 27, as in the single multi-crop scan. If the scanner function isselected, the control unit 41 may transmit the image data to an externaldevice connected to a network through the communication unit 45. If theimage filing function is selected, the control unit 41 transfers theimage data to the storage unit 43 and stores the same therein. If thefacsimile function is selected, the control unit 41 transmits the imagedata through the communication unit 45 and a public line.

After completing the transfer of the image data (Yes in step S71), thecontrol unit 41 notifies the user of the completion of the transfer(step S73, corresponding to FIG. 24E), and ends the process.

<<Photo Multi-crop (Inversion multi-crop)>>

It has already been described that, in the ordinary multi-crop scan,that is, in the non-inversion multi-crop scan, the original cover isleft open and the scanning is performed in order that the area outsideof an original is read as black with respect to a white or light tonebase of the original. The cropping unit 25 crops the image correspondingto the original by recognizing the border of the originals on the basisof the contrast between the light tone base of the originals and theblack color of the area outside of the originals.

However, an original may have a dark tone edge depending on a type of anoriginal. An original with an edge locally having a dark tone canprecisely be cropped on the premise that the original has a rectangularshape. However, if an original has a lot of dark tone parts, it cannotsufficiently be cropped in some cases.

A typical example of an original with a dark tone edge is an original ofa photo of night scenes without borders. A photo of the same nightscenes with borders have a white edge, so that the cropping unit 25 cancrop each original from the image read with the original cover 33 beingleft open. However, in a photo without borders, the contrast between thenight scenes and the area outside of the original is insufficient.

An original with a dark tone edge, such as a photo of night sceneswithout borders, had better be read with the original cover 33 beingclosed in order that the area outside of the original is read as white.The lower surface of the original cover 33 is white. This is to preventthe generation of a sense of strangeness between a standard sizeoriginal with white or light tone base and the original cover 33, evenif the original cover (document holder) that is the area outside of theoriginal is read when the original is read.

In view of this, it is preferable that a multi-crop function for anoriginal having a dark tone edge is provided separately from theordinary multi-crop, and the user can select either one of multi-cropsaccording to an original.

In the present embodiment, the multi-crop function for an originalhaving a dark tone edge is referred to as “photo multi-crop” or“inversion multi-crop”. While in the ordinary multi-crop (non-inversionmulti-crop), the control unit 41 requests the user to leave the originalcover 33 open (for example, see FIGS. 14E and 14F), the control unit 41requests the user to close the original cover 33 in the photomulti-crop. Then, the cropping unit 25 recognizes the border of eachoriginal and crops the image corresponding to the original on the basisof the contrast between a dark tone base of the original and light toneof the area outside of the original. In this case, the grayscale of theimage obtained by the batch scan may be inverted, and then, the croppingunit 25 may perform cropping. The cropped image of each original isstored in the memory after the grayscale thereof is again inverted.According to this configuration, the area outside of an original has ablack color or a dark tone in any of the inversion multi-crop and thenon-inversion multi-crop, whereby an image can be cropped by the sameprocess.

FIG. 27A shows an example of an image read by a batch scan in theordinary multi-crop. FIG. 27A shows the example in which multiple photooriginals with borders having a dark tone edge are read with theoriginal cover being left open.

FIG. 27B shows an example of an image read by a batch scan in the photomulti-crop. FIG. 27B shows the example in which multiple photo originalswithout borders having a dark tone edge are read with the original coverbeing closed.

FIGS. 28A to 28D are explanatory views showing one example of anoperation procedure when the photo multi-crop scan is performed by thedigital multifunction peripheral 10.

For the selection of the photo multi-crop scan, the digitalmultifunction peripheral 10 which has been in the stand-by mode isbrought into the state in which the screen illustrated in FIG. 14C isdisplayed through the screens in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 14A, and 14B. The“Photo Multi-crop” key is disposed at the right of the “Multi-crop” keyon the screen in FIG. 14C.

When the user touches the “Photo Multi-crop” key (see FIG. 28A), thecontrol unit 41 displays a check mark indicating that the “PhotoMulti-crop” key is selected on the “Photo Multi-crop” key in response tothis operation. The control unit 41 also displays a message of “Be sureto close the automatic document feeder and press [Start] to scan.” alongwith an “OK” key on the operation display unit 51 (see FIG. 28B).

When the user reads the message of “Be sure to close the automaticdocument feeder and press [Start] to scan.” and presses the “OK” key(see FIG. 28C), the control unit 41 erases the message in response tothis operation (see FIG. 28D).

The user arranges multiple originals, which are the objects for themulti-crop scan, on the original table 20, and then, closes the originalcover 33. After the user presses the “Start” key, the control unit 41starts the batch scan for the photo multi-crop.

As shown in FIG. 27B, the cropping unit 25 recognizes the border of theoriginals on the basis of the dark tone edges of the originals and thewhite color at the area outside of the originals, and performs cropping.

Since the control unit 41 can acquire the open state and closed state ofthe original cover 33 by the cover opening-and-closing sensor 35, thecontrol unit 41 may invalidate the “Start” key to inhibit the start ofthe batch scan while the original cover 33 is left open (thirteenthembodiment).

Alternatively, in the case where the “Start” key is pressed with theoriginal cover 33 being left open, the control unit 41 may inhibit thestart of the batch scan, and display a message for encouraging the userto close the original cover 33 and again press the “Start” key on theoperation display unit 51 (fourteenth embodiment).

The other operation procedure is similar to the ordinary multi-cropscan.

<<Different Embodiment in Selecting Photo Multi-crop>>

In the above example, the “Photo Multi-crop” key is prepared separatelyfrom the “Multi-crop” key, and the user selects the function of thephoto multi-crop by touching the “Photo Multi-crop” key. In thisembodiment, the example of selecting the photo multi-crop by theoperation procedure different from the above example will be described.

FIGS. 29A to 29I are explanatory views showing different example of theoperation procedure for performing the photo multi-crop scan by thedigital multifunction peripheral 10.

As in the above example, for the selection of the photo multi-crop, thedigital multifunction peripheral 10 which has been in the stand-by modeis brought into the state in which the screen illustrated in FIG. 29A isdisplayed through the screens in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 14A, and 14B. On thescreen in FIG. 29A, the “Multi-crop” key is displayed but the “PhotoMulti-crop key” is not displayed and included in the “Multi-crop”.

When the user touches the “Multi-crop” key (see FIG. 29B), the controlunit 41 displays a check mark indicating that the “Multi-crop” isselected on the “Multi-crop” key in response to this operation. Then,the control unit 41 displays a message of “Specify tone of originals.”along with an operation key of “Light tone” and an operation key of“Dark tone” on the operation display unit 51 to encourage the user toselect either one of tones.

When the user touches the “Light tone” key (see FIG. 29D), the controlunit 41 determines that the ordinary multi-crop mode is selected on thebasis of this operation. Then, the control unit 41 displays the messageof “Leave the automatic document feeder open and press [Start] to scan.”along with the “OK” key on the operation display unit 51 (see FIG. 29E).

When the user reads the message of “Leave the automatic document feederopen and press [Start] to scan.” and presses the “OK” key (see FIG.29F), the control unit 41 erases the message in response to thisoperation.

The operation procedure after that is similar to the operation proceduredescribed with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16A to 16C.

On the other hand, when the user touches the “Dark tone” key on thescreen illustrated in FIG. 29C (see FIG. 29G), the control unit 41determines that the photo multi-crop is selected in response to thisoperation. Then, the control unit 41 displays the message of “Be sure toclose the automatic document feeder and press [Start] to scan.” alongwith the “OK” key on the operation display unit 51 (see FIG. 29H).

When the user reads the message of “Be sure to close the automaticdocument feeder and press [Start] to scan.” and presses the “OK” key(see FIG. 29I), the control unit 41 erases the message in response tothis operation.

The operation procedure after that is similar to the operation procedureof the photo multi-crop previously described.

As described above,

(i) the image reading apparatus according to the present inventionincludes: original reading circuitry as an original reading unitconfigured to scan at least one original placed on an original table andread an image of the original; an original size detector as an originalsize detection unit configured to detect a size of an original to bescanned before the scan; and control circuitry as a control unitconfigured to determine an area from which an image is to be read by theoriginal reading sensor by referring to the original size detected bythe original size detector, wherein the control circuitry is capable ofinitiating a multi-crop process in which the original reading circuitryscans a plurality of originals placed on the original table in batch asa batch-scan and crops an image of each of the originals, and in case ofthe batch-scan, the control circuitry determines the maximum areareadable by the original reading circuitry as a reading-area.

In the present invention, the original table is the location where anoriginal is placed when an image of the original is to be read, and theoriginal reading unit reads the image of the original placed on theoriginal table. The specific configuration thereof is, for example, anarea where a glass plate or a transparent resin plate is horizontallyplaced, and an original is placed thereon with a surface which should beread facing downward. The original reading unit scans the originalupward from below the plate to read the image. However, the nature ofthe present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the presentinvention also includes a configuration in which an original is placedon a non-transparent or transparent original table with the surfacewhich should be read facing upward, and the original is scanned fromabove the original table.

Flat sheet-type originals are typical. However, the original is notlimited thereto, and may have irregularities or may be a 3D object.

In addition, the multi-crop process is to scan multiple originals whichare simultaneously placed on the original table in batch and crop animage of each original. The process for reading an image of an original,which is sequentially replaced one by one using an automatic documentfeeder or the like, on the original table is not included in the batchscan.

To crop an image of an original means that an image area correspondingto each original is extracted from the entire reading-area by the batchscan and trimming is performed. In the multi-crop process, a pluralityof image areas, each of which corresponds to each original, is extractedfrom the entire reading-area.

Preferable configurations of the present invention will further bedescribed.

(ii) The image reading apparatus may be configured such that the maximumarea is larger than a reading-area of a maximum original detectable bythe original size detection unit.

As one specific example, it is supposed that the maximum original sizein AB series detectable by an original size detection unit in a certainapparatus is A3 size (420 mm in length×297 mm in width). It is alsosupposed that the maximum original size in inch series detectable by theoriginal detection unit is a double letter size (432 mm in length×279.4mm in width). The original reading unit is able to read a reading-areain both an A3 original and an original with a double letter size, andthe original table can also be adapted to both sizes.

According to this configuration, the control unit determines thereading-area with the length of 432 mm which corresponds to the lengthof the double letter size and the width of 297 mm which corresponds tothe width of the A3 size as a reading-area in the multi-crop process. Inthis case, the reading-area is larger than the reading-area in both theA3 size and the double letter size. Therefore, when performing themulti-crop process, the user can cause the image reading apparatus toread multiple originals by making the maximum use of the area on theoriginal table readable by the original reading unit. The user has noneed to worry about an image loss of an original placed at the end ofthe original table.

(iii) The image reading apparatus may be configured such that thecontrol unit determines the maximum area as a reading-area regardless ofthe detection of the original size detection unit, when initiating themulti-crop process.

Generally, an original size detection unit is configured to detect thesize of a single standard size original which is often used in generaland is placed at a predetermined position on an original table. On theother hand, in the multi-crop process, multiple originals are placed onthe original table. However, according to the configuration describedabove, there is no problem even if the original size detection unit isunable to precisely detect the sizes of the originals placed on theoriginal table. Even an original placed at the end of the original tablecan be read without an image loss.

(iv) The image reading apparatus may be configured such that the controlunit determines, as a reading-area by the batch-scan, a reading-areacorresponding to an original size at least the next larger size than theoriginal size detected by the original size detection unit, wheninitiating the multi-crop process.

According to this configuration, in the case where multiple originalsare placed on a part of the original table with little spacetherebetween, the original size detection unit is expected to detect howlarge the area where the originals are placed. In this case, the controlunit can read the originals with no image loss without scanning anunnecessary area by utilizing the detection result of the original sizedetection unit.

(v) The image reading apparatus may be configured such that the originalsize detection unit detects presence or absence of an original at aplurality of different positions on the original table, and determineswhich one of predetermined original sizes the original placed on theoriginal table has on the basis of a detection pattern for the presenceor absence of the original at each position, and the control unitinitiates the multi-crop process in the case where the detection patternby the original size detection unit corresponds to none of thepredetermined original sizes.

According to this configuration, in the case where the detection patternby the original size detection unit corresponds to none of thepredetermined original sizes, the control unit can determine thatmultiple originals are placed, different from the state in which asingle standard size original is placed, and is able to perform themulti-crop process.

In addition, the control unit may be configured not to always performthe multi-crop process in the case where an unexpected detection patternis obtained but to perform the multi-crop process only when a detectionpattern which could be obtained when multiple originals are placed onthe original table is obtained.

Preferable embodiments of the present invention include a combination ofany of the above two or more configurations.

In addition to the above-described embodiments, there can be variousmodified examples of the invention. Such modified examples should not bedeemed to be out of the scope of the invention. The invention shouldinclude all the modified examples within the meaning and range ofequivalency of scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image reading apparatus comprising: anoriginal reading circuit configured to scan at least one original placedon an original table and read an image of the original; an original sizedetector configured to detect a size of an original to be scanned beforethe scan; and a control circuit configured to determine as areading-area an area from which an image is to be read by the originalreading circuit by referring to the original size detected by theoriginal size detector, wherein the control circuit is configured toinitiate a multi-crop process in which the original reading circuitscans a plurality of originals placed on the original table in batch asa batch-scan and crops an image of each of the originals, and todetermine the reading-area based on a width of a maximum original in amain scanning direction and a length of a maximum original in asub-scanning direction regardless of the detection of the original sizedetector when initiating the multi-crop process, and the reading-area islarger than a size of either the maximum original in the main scanningdirection or the maximum original in the sub-scanning direction.